Bollywood star Aditi Rao-Hydari Celebrates 150 Years Of Piaget’s Splendour In Abu Dhabi

She captures the Essence of Extraleganza – that’s why Aditi Rao-Hydari was the ideal choice for Piaget’s 150th anniversary in Abu Dhabi

It was a soirée to mark 150 years of artistry, honouring craftsmanship, haute horologerie and high jewellery, held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi – evocative of a royal occasion. So having Bollywood star Aditi Rao-Hydari, who not only has the blue-blooded lineage but also the creative credibility, at this very special celebration made this a perfect match.

As Bazaar Arabia chatted to the Indian actress during an exclusive interview, it became clear that she embodies the bold, joyful spirit of the maison, and its motto: “Always Do Better Than Necessary.” We sat with the classically trained dancer to talk about watches, wardrobe choices and her recent wedding.

Do you have a secret collection of anything extravagant?

I love paintings, and I’m always collecting art. It’s come to a point where I have nowhere to hang anything. Nowadays, whenever I buy a new piece, my mother says, “I’m not keeping it!” I also love jewellery. When you asked about extravagant expenses, I was going to say jewellery tends to be one of mine. And I like heirloom pieces a lot, or anything that looks like an heirloom; that’s something I am drawn towards. I love my grandmother’s jewellery that’s been passed down through many, many generations in my family – those I would never part with. And I also think that with fashion, you can play around with pieces like that. I like to not be burdened by fashion. I like to play, and I like to be happy with fashion.

You must be a watch connoisseur by now…

Well I’m lucky enough to currently be wearing the Piaget Limelight Gala. It was designed and made especially for the 150th year anniversary of Piaget, so this is a huge honour for me. I like to switch around my watches. I don’t stick to one. I like to do what is not obvious. I do that instinctively, not by design. Usually, if I’m wearing something very feminine, I would probably pick a really sporty watch.

How would you describe your personal style?

Effortless at all times. I like to look like I woke up in whatever I’m wearing. My style icon is Audrey Hepburn.

You grew up learning dance, how do you think that helped you enhance your acting skills?

I grew up learning Bharatanatyam, which is a classical art form from India. I started when I was five years old. I know no other life apart from one that involves music and dancing. I grew up to the sound of my mother playing the tanpura [stringed Indian instrument] doing her riyaz [practise], and then to the sound of dance. I’m sure it’s had a huge impact on me. Maybe discipline? Nobody has had to discipline me. I arrive on time. I come prepped. I was always taught that you practice till you bleed, but once you come in front of your audience only your heart should flow. No technique should show. Don’t show your cleverness, only show your love. So maybe that’s something that has always stayed with me. I didn’t understand it as a child, but maybe this teaching has been put into my soul.

Is there a role that you wish you had played?

There are so many! But in India, there is a very famous Tamil film called The Third Crescent, which was remade into Hindi, called Sadma [Calamity]. I know it’s almost blasphemous to say it because Sridevi played that role, and she’s exquisite, but I love that film, and I love that role. I would have loved to be in any of Mani Ratnam’s films, I would have loved to play any of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s heroines, any of Rituparno Ghosh heroines.

Is there a character from one of your movies that you felt most resembles your own personality?

Actually quite a few of them – but parts of their personality reflected mine, not the whole. I think that’s what made them interesting, because there was a reflection of something that I saw and recognised – then I made it my own. But if there are aspects that are completely alien to me, then that’s a challenge to make them believable. I played Leela in a Mani Ratnam film, Kaatru Veliyidai. I loved Leela; she was very gentle, very kind but also had a lot of agency and was very strong. I identify with female characters who seem vulnerable and very feminine, but have a very strong sense of self and are deeply rooted. Their strength comes from their vulnerability… Bibbojaan is one, Mehrunisa is another.

Have you ever thought about crossing into Hollywood?

I’d love to. But it’s not about Hollywood versus the Indian film industry. It’s more about diverse cultures, diverse stories, directors – people who I’ve longed to work with. I like to just jump in at the deep end and surrender to a genius’ vision, to be moulded by that person, and to learn from them. Because as an actor that’s what I like to do. So yes, 100 per cent, whether it’s Hollywood, whether it’s a Spanish film, whether it’s an Iranian film, it could be anywhere, any language, but if it’s a director who inspires me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.

What’s next in the pipeline for you?

I have to be secretive about these things, but one film that has been announced is an Indo-British collaboration called Lioness. There have been delays on it but I’m looking forward to it because it’s headlined by two women, and it’s the story of two strong women a century apart.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I am still a younger me. I think that is my superpower, that I can be like a five-year-old [laughs]. It is really important to accept yourself. Who you are, accept your strengths, know your flaws and be okay to learn every day and not have any ego about asking questions. Be a curious five-year-old and evolve every day, enjoying yourself while you do so.

Any extra special memories from your recent wedding you can share?

There cannot be just one. We were surrounded by love. We had no doubt that we were blessed by every single person; that’s a very special feeling. I don’t think it’s describable. Siddharth keeps saying: “Aditi, will you marry me?” I reply: “We’re already married!” “But will you marry me again?” “Of course.” That is a beautiful feeling to have every day.

What’s on your to-do list in Abu Dhabi?

I’m looking forward to the gala. It’s such a big honour to be here with Piaget. I flew down from London because I was not going to miss this. Apart from that, I’m also at the Emirates Palace; I’m very excited to be here. And I want to go to Ferrari World!

You seem to have a very sunny outlook on life…

My motto is to find music in the noise. And to find light in the darkness.

From Harpers Bazaar Arabia’s Winter 2024/2025 Issue